Anthony
Venn-Brown, founder of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International, who has
been monitoring Australian ex-gay activities for nearly two decades, welcomed
the news.
"For the last
fifteen years ex-gay ministries have been in decline in this country. Living
Waters Australia closure means we are near the end. The tipping point was
reached some time ago but a handful of these organisations, including LWA, declared
they would continue or operate after Exodus International closed its doors last
year. What is particularly significant
is that LWA has been one of Australia's most prominent and long lasting
organisations. In many ways LWA's closure is
equivalent to Exodus International in the US shutting down" Venn-Brown said.
"Participants in
these 'change is possible' programs are often emotionally and psychologically
damaged. It can take years to work
through the trauma, shame and self-loathing.
Some have even taken their own lives. The closure does mean that
Christian people 'struggling with unwanted same sex attraction' will have fewer
options and less people will be harmed. But it also means that we have to build
bridges to the strugglers to help them reconcile faith and sexuality instead of
being told they have to choose one or the other. Sadly, for the next twenty
years we will no doubt be working with those previously damaged by the out
dated message that homosexuality is a sin and God changes gay people to
straight" Venn-Brown added.
"The remaining organisations days are well and
truly numbered. The gay Christian movement grows exponentially, the number or
LGBTI welcoming, accepting and affirming churches increases annually. The vast
majority of Australians have an out, proud gay or lesbian brother, sister,
niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, parent or grandparent, friend or work colleague.
And to hear churches or religious organisations label them as sick,
dysfunctional and broken is abhorrent, offensive and ignorant" Venn-Brown said.
LWA
is winding up the organization with a Thanksgiving Service at the Ramsgate
Community Church on Saturday 12th April.
On
the same day, Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International will be holding a
vigil "to remember those we have taken
their own lives because of the conflict of their faith and sexuality and also
celebrate those who have come out the other end of ex-gay programs and are now
living openly proud lives as gay women and men" Venn-Brown concluded.
Media
inquires
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Twitter:
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